2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Surveying is a fundamental discipline with far-reaching implications for land management and infrastructure development. This paper presents an approach to including project-based learning in surveying courses specifically tailored for civil engineering, in order to match education with the changing demands of the industry and societal values. Project-based learning has the potential to effectively equip students with the essential skills and mindset required for success in the dynamic field of civil engineering, while also adequately preparing them to tackle real-world issues.

The Civil and Environmental Engineering Department at Rowan University adopted project-based learning within their surveying course. The curriculum is structured into two distinct phases. During the initial phase, students are introduced to the fundamental principles of surveying, while the subsequent part focuses on the actual implementation of these principles in laboratory settings and real-world projects. By engaging in practical application, students learn the skills necessary to operate surveying equipment, identify underutilized locations for potential improvement, and formulate detailed plans for enhancing these areas. Additionally, this procedure encompasses the compilation of reports and the presentation of their work, including concepts of surveying and drafting skills. During the course of the project, students actively participate in the process of generating ideas, employing critical thinking skills, and conducting an in-depth examination of pre-existing solutions implemented in comparable project locations.

The outcomes of project-based learning in the surveying course are multifold. It not only prepares students for internship opportunities but also provides valuable training for future professional licensure. In addition, the program fosters the development of leadership and entrepreneurship skills by engaging students in project-based learning, thereby preparing them to excel in the ever-evolving domain of civil engineering.